The Blog of Author Dane Ladwig

Main menu

Category inspiration

Post navigation

Who does not laugh with the AT&T commercials that have the kids interacting with an adult in a children’s setting? I bust a gut. The one during the holidays that showed the innocence of a child commenting on his “New Year’s Revolution,” was outrageous. Honesty, I do not know how the actor sitting across from these children manages to keep a straight face.

That brings me to my “Revolution.” What would I revolt against in 2014? I take a stand and revolt against 2013!

Twenty-thirteen was not such a great year for me. I lost many family, friends, and my K-9 mini-me, to the Angel of Death. A close friend was diagnosed with cancer. To top it off, I was inflicted with an intrusive hostile assault of recurring kidney stones. For me, 2013 represented all that sucked in life.

Well, it’s 2014, and with the coming of a new year, I have adopted a new perspective.

To top off those literary accomplishments, I have been contracted to ghost write a biography for a legendary Pop group who rose to international fame in the 60’s and 70’s. Since I come from a background in music, I am totally in awe over this project.

Life as a writer is expanding rapidly. I have had to create a legitimate business because of the growing interest in my books and my skills as a ghostwriter. “Ink Slinger Enterprises, LLC,” is officially incorporated in the State of Illinois and the U.S. government, and I am on the record as the CEO.

As I enter this new chapter in my life, I am reminded of my roots. Just a few years ago, I was a struggling middle-aged college student who was freaking out over mid-terms and finals. A few years before that, I was a rebellious maverick trying to “find” myself.

I have never expected what has come, but I have learned a very valuable lesson along the way; when a door opens, another door slams shut. You’d better step through the open door otherwise you will be forced back through the door that’s slamming shut, and it will hit you in the backside and then again in the kisser on the way back if you don’t move swiftly.

Perhaps my greatest ally along the way, and leading me into 2014, is that same blind innocence the children in the AT&T commercials display. No sense in fighting it or questioning it, but roll with it, and you would be surprised what could actually happen to transform your life into a new and vibrant being.

Here’s to you and your New Revolution!

Dane Ladwig

Dane Ladwig’s books can be found at: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Dane%20Ladwig

I have been asked repeatedly, “Why do you choose to write about serial killers, why not something else, something a bit less gruesome and more eclectic?” Well, they don’t all say that. Most say, “Aren’t you afraid?” And some say, “Of all the things you could write about, why whacko’s?”

Societies rejects and the underbelly of humanity is what intrigues me. Why shouldn’t it, I have a family history acquainted with these type of monsters… sort of.

When I was a young lad, I recall stories of the boogeyman of London, Jack the Ripper. I have cousins living in London and I always wondered… How could they live somewhere a fiendish murderer, the most twisted of all, has lurked the streets and might come back to seek revenge? I was a child then. I had no concept that the Ripper was dead, or an enigma. I figured he could shape-shift, and come and go as he pleased, sort of the Grim Reaper of the UK.

I began a lifelong journey of researching Jack. Then I moved on to the next twisted psychopath. In the mid-1960s, Richard Speck captured the attention of the world with his proclivity toward torturing, committing rape, then murdering eight female students at South Chicago Community Hospital. I lived a mere 24 minute car ride from the scene of the murders. When I was a child, the thought of living so close to the scene was scary.

It was in the late 1960s when, like the rest of America, I was suspended in a state of catatonic shock when Charles Manson and the Manson Family brutally committed acts of murder in California’s elite neighborhoods where only the rich and famous, the “untouchables” of society, met their fateful ends.

In the late ‘70s, David Berkowitz, the “Son of Sam”, killed eight innocent victim claiming his dog instructed him to kill and the dog was, “possessed by demons.” Not to mention growing up in the era with Ted Kaczynski the “Uni-Bomber” whose rampage lasted 3 decades, ‘70s-‘90’s. Ed Gein’s trial in 1968. The Zodiac Killer. Ted Bundy in the 1970s who confessed to over 30 murders. Gary Ridgeway “The Green River Killer” who confessed to murdering 49 women in Washington between 1982 and 1998. The cannibalistic nature of Jeffrey Dahmer. John Wayne Gacy, the “Killer Clown” again, lived less than three miles from where I resided, and the list could go on forever.

These demented serial killers all played a significant role in my life when I was growing up. I can tell you where I was, and what I was doing, when the verdict came in on Ed Gein, on Jeffery Dahmer, Gacy and the rest of the killer crew. But the ones closest to me, the killers and incidents that influenced my life the most, where those closest to my family.

My Uncle, Frank Smith, worked for Hughes Aircraft Corporation in the 1960s. He lived in Los Angeles and Hollywood, and was close friends to many Hollywood celebrities. One day he vanished. He was an amateur photographer. He dropped off his roll of film at the neighborhood photo shop and that was the last he was ever heard from. His car was parked in front of the store. His film was on the sidewalk. His keys were even lying beside the car, but he vanished and was never heard from or seen again. His paycheck from Hughes Aircraft Corporation dated the prior week was never cashed.

Then there was the day my coworker, my brother-in-laws nephew (not sure how he would be related to me, but we always referred to him as my nephew, and family none the less), noticed a book I was reading, the memoirs of “Bambi” Bembenek, who was a Milwaukee, WI, police officer. Bambi was convicted of killing her husband and taking the authorities on a chase across America and into Canada. It turns out, “Bambi” is my nephew’s cousin, again not sure how that translates to my relationship, but too close for comfort!

The most recent is the connection, in 2012, is to the killer cop, Drew Peterson. Peterson a Police Sergeant in Bolingbrook, IL, was found guilty of murdering his third wife Kathleen “Kitty” Savio. He is also a suspect in the disappearance of his fourth wife Stacy Cales Peterson. My wife is Kathleen Savio’s first cousin.

As you can certainly see, I have always been… shall we say, “encompassed” or “encircled” by killers, serial killers, mass murders, and the most deviate of society. To be an author and not to write about them would be a waste. My nature is to promote awareness and safety from these aberrations and miscreants. If my writing brings about a single turned head at the precise moment to avoid a possible disaster, and saves one person if only by chance… the “why” in what I do is no longer in question!

In 1616 Galileo Galilei, Italian physicist, mathematician, astronomer, and philosopher, published in his Dialogue on the Two Chief World Systems the Dialogue on the Ebb and Flow of the Sea, that the Copernican System discovered by Nicholas Copernicus (Copernicus a century prior to Galileo – actually stunned the scientific world), with theories, the earth was not the center of the universe. Galileo proved the earth actually rotated on its axis and it rotated around the sun, dispelling centuries of belief in science.

Christopher Columbus

On the evening of August 3, 1492 another Italian, Christopher Columbus, set sail from Spain on a mission to acquire new possibilities in the South Seas for trade and barter on the behalf of the Spanish monarchy. As three ships embarked for the open sea, the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria, onlookers observed the ships fading off into the horizon. The spectators from the 15th Century assumed the three ships, like the many before them that never returned to port, fell off the edge of the earth. When Columbus returned to Spain and reported he had discovered a “New World” and furthermore, the earth was not flat, it was in fact “pear shaped”. Columbus was ridiculed and his sanity was in question for his remarkable statements. However, the Spaniards were amazed and intrigued at his return on the 15th of March in 1493, begging the question, why did Columbus not fall off the edge of the earth if he did indeed travel the distances he claimed to have sailed.

As recent as the mid 1800’s people continued to believe the earth was flat. I suppose the most conclusive evidence of the earth’s shape came about on July 20, 1969 when Apollo 11 penetrated the earth’s atmosphere and global attention was directed at the media coverage of the most significant lunar mission in history. We knew beyond a shadow of doubt through the images sent back to earth by Apollo 11, and previous space missions, the earth was indeed round and men actually walked on the surface of the Moon. Nevertheless, doubters and skeptics questioned the authenticity of the proof of Apollo 11, and still do to this day, with mistrust in the mission’s authenticity.

Today we know the earth is not the center of the universe. We also know the earth is not flat and you can travel in any direction and completely circle the earth. Like those who mistrusted the judgment of explorers whose beliefs and theorems were doubted and scoffed at, and subsequently questioned, as they were unsuitable to popular thinking, there will be many who feel making a case for a century old crime is no more worthy of consideration than the Italian explorers whose sanity were in question for believing the world was not the center of the universe, or that the earth was not flat.

It is not without conviction and a dedication to explore the truth of Jack the Ripper and Dr. H. H. Holmes, that I make such bold statements. I believe, like those many pioneers who precede me, one individual can make a difference. It is my faithful commitment to present a case study of the crimes, which will establish a foundation reflecting the pretenses held regarding Jack the Ripper for the past 125 years, have been in in fact, held in err. The historic account I present will reflect history itself has altered the account of Jack the Ripper over time to exclude such culprits as Dr. H. H. Holmes.

“Dr. H. H. Holmes and the Whitechapel Ripper” ~ Coming Soon!

In addition, the evidence indicates, Herman Webster Mudgett a.k.a. Dr. Henry Howard (H. H.) Holmes has played a major role in the case of Jack the Ripper. As has been demonstrated through Galileo and Columbus, history has been, and can be, rewritten. As is the case with these monumental discoveries of yesteryear, and the case with regards to Dr. H. H. Holmes and his connection to Jack the Ripper, history may need time to adjust to the idea of maxims and factuality proven through evidence.

For now, we will continue on the journey of venturing into the High Seas setting our course for truth and revelation as we continue onward with due diligence in our quest of evidentiary truth in the case of “Dr. H. H. Holmes and the Whitechapel Ripper.”

It is difficult for an Independent Author to gain much acclaim for his or her work short of investing thousands of dollars. Hiring an editor, paying for proof reads, paying someone to transpose your manuscript to conform to “industry standards” to comply with various printing and electronic formats, and contracting a marketing team to endorse your work and legal representation to make sure you are doing everything within the confines of the IRS and the law, are all extremely costly.

Recently, I read an article estimating the cost of a self-published author reaching the (any) best-sellers list. The numbers were astronomical and exhausting. One such Indie author paid in excess of $75,000.00 to be listed on a best-sellers list for one day. That’s right, 24 hours. The cost of many homes in the southern regions of rural America are purchased for less than what the 24 hours this author paid to be listed as a “best-seller”.

However, the author was not paying for sales. The author paid for a prestigious moniker “best-seller”. As a result, the author can now attach the label of “Best Selling Author” to any future works. In addition, the author is in high demand lecturing across the globe and getting paid big money to talk about his theories.

Unfortunately, I choose to write a book in a niche where the money is sparse and the critical acclaim is reserved for Hollywood celebrities – the paranormal and the afterlife. I put out the bucks for the editor and the transpositions, the proof reads and the legal fees, but it’s a long shot as to whether I will recoup the money from my initial investment.

I doubt I’ll ever see a “Best-Sellers” list with my first book, but I just cannot justify buying my way into a popularity contest; my moral composition tells me it is wrong. That leaves me, and other Independent Authors like me, with little alternative.

There are the social network avenues and they will take you only so far until people begin to get annoyed with your pleading with them to buy your book and they “block” you. Then you have the option of “free” giveaways and you pray word of mouth will generate sales. Newspapers and radio interviews are a great alternative, but then they will begin to swallow every ounce of your time and energy chipping away any portion of the day you have devoted to your next project. Blogs and websites will only go so far as you cannot reach the masses.

Where does that leave the Indie Author? There are not too many more options. A very successful author and a close personal friend gave me some advice. He asked, “What’s the prize… What’s in it for you?” I answered, “I just want to offer something different, a different perspective… perhaps something which was not considered before they read my book. And like all writers I want to reach as many people as possible, not for fame or fortune, but for the gratification in knowing I made a difference.” He responded with a very profound and helpful statement, “Then move on… get to your next project. You want people to know your work… then get your work out there. Stop sweating the small sh*t… It will all come together as long as you work hard, pay attention to detail, and keep your eye on the prize!”

As Independent Authors, I think we need to remain focused on the big picture. Sure it would be nice if a million people would purchase our book the day it debuts, but that’s not realistic. We need to band together, promote one another (which in return aids in your sales as other Indie authors promote you), and remain fixed on the overall goal – educate, entertain and offer the reader escape from the everyday doldrums and concerns that engulf his or her world.

¯ ¯ ¯

Piercing the Veils of Death: A Paranormal Exploration by Dane Ladwig can be purchased on

Amazon.com in Paperback and Kindle formats by clicking on the link below…

Just a few weeks ago, I published my first book titled, Piercing the Veils of Death. To my surprise, my book received a warm welcome and earned exceptional reviews. Debut weekend over 500 copies of the paperback and Kindle sold through Amazon.com. Barnes and Noble contacted me to ask permission to place Piercing the Veils of Death on its shelves and make it available on the electronic Nook version. I was elated!

Yesterday, Amazon listed Piercing the Veils of Death in the category of New Releases in the UK as the #1 in Supernatural/Paranormal. Today, in the USA, Piercing the Veils of Death is listed at the #10 position following Anne Rice’s National Bestseller (in the #9 position) The Wolf Gift.

As an Independent Author, a successful first release is a dream come true. I would have never dreamed of making the A-list with such prolific writers as Anne Rice, and never in a million years would I have dreamed it would be possible within two weeks of releasing a book.

What is my secret? Hard work, determination and a devotion to presenting a unique idea! I spent nearly a year on the manuscript. I did not want to offer a fiction. Nor did I want to marry myself to a nonfiction. The idea of compiling a collection of unified experiences while still having the ability to present both a fictionalized anecdote along with including a compendium of quasi-memoirs and investigative research materials; all dealing with the human condition, that is what I was after – what turned me on!

It’s not all been a waltz on cloud nine! As an Independent, I am required to market my work. This equates to approximately 20-30 additional hours weekly in addition to the 40-50 a week I devote to my next writing project, Dr. H. H. Holmes and the Whitechapel Ripper: An Historic Inquisition. Between marketing, mailing, radio, newspaper and media, and the occasional lecture and book signing/presentation, there is little time left for “me time”. Thus, scheduling wisely and remaining flexible is necessary.

I would like to present my book, Piercing the Veils of Death. I set out in Piercing the Veils of Death to journey through several realms of the hereafter. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to pass through this life and have cognitive recall? To know where you are and who is in the room with you? Why are the Native American Indians “connected” to the Spirit realm? Do you know the difference between The City of the Dead in Cairo, Egypt and the City of the Dead in New Orleans, LA? Do our pets go to heaven? Have you ever witnessed a pet grieve at a gravesite? Are pets and animals connected to the great beyond?

The fictional story in chapter one follows Stephen Allendale as he travels through the ever-frightening corridor of death. Clinging to his lifelong love, his wife Tracy, find out why Stephen and Tracy refuse to let go of one another’s love.

Piercing the Veils of Death interviews an established college professor whom chooses to act as a channel for the deceased. There are numerous other interviews, such as with Chicago’s premier ghost tour company owner. Interviews with paranormal investigators and psychic/mediums will keep your attention as you find out facts about what makes people tick in the paranormal community and keeps them chasing after the most elusive of all beings — the spirits of the deceased.

Much more than a book on the paranormal, Piercing the Veils of Death leaves the reader with a deeper understanding of the afterlife, the supernatural, superstitions and what may await in the great beyond.

¯

The reviews posted to Amazon have been encouraging (all 5 star reviews):

“Piercing the Veils of Death by Dane Ladwig is comprised of several stories as it pertains to the supernatural and metaphysical experiences that the author has encountered over the years. It is one thing to read about fictitious accounts of apparitional events, but entirely another to read true cases related to the hereafter.

I was utterly captivated by the stories presented in this book and I found it fascinating as well as I felt it gave me reassurance that there is more after this life. This is not a ghost story book nor a religious book, but about everyday lives, miracles, the transformation from this life to the next, the knowledge that there is hope and everlasting life.

I enjoyed this book immensely and thank you for sharing your stories.” (Amazon’s Top 10 True Crime Author RJ Parker)

¯

“Piercing the Veils of Death is by far one of the best books I have ever read about the supernatural and matters involving death and the implications death have on the living. I expected your run-of-the-mill paranormal fantasy spookster tale of haunted houses and famous landmarks we are so accustomed to reading about, it was refreshing to read true-life chronicles and get a peak inside the minds of many paranormal investigators and celebrities. I simply loved the way the author opened his book with his very own introduction to the gruesome account of his first “education” of the dead in a funeral home, and then moved on in chapter one to a fictional story of a husband and wife who were so in love in life they couldn’t/wouldn’t let go even in death. It is superb! I am looking forward to telling every one of my friends about this book, then reading it again!

Kudos to a literary masterpiece!” (Denise M. Pacini)

¯

“Having never purchased an E-book before, I’m glad this was my first, since I couldn’t seem to put it down. Sadly, I was late for a few things because I wouldn’t stop reading in time to go. Mr Ladwig has a fantastic way with words that draws you in, holds your attention and grips very tight. The descriptive & informative nature with which he tells a story, or shares knowledge is one of the best I’ve found. If you’re looking for a book that educates you, enthralls you, and at times, entertains you, THIS is that book. Thank You for a very good read!!” (DEstlock)

¯

“I really enjoyed this book, as it’s one of a kind its supernatural/paranormal genre. He’s a wonderful storyteller. I can’t wait to read more from this author!” (Samantha M. Jones)

¯

“Amazing story teller and fantastic stories. Had to finish it in one sitting, I can’t wait for his next book. He has such a wonderful feel for the subject.” (Silverhawk319)

¯ ¯ ¯

I hope you purchase a copy of my book and enjoy the journey. Currently Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble have Piercing the Veils of Death: A Paranormal Exploration on sale for $7.00 (paperback) and $3.99 (Kindle and Nook).

A portion of the proceeds of the sale are donated to Noonan’s Syndrome Research.

Piercing the Veils of Death: A Paranormal Exploration is available free of charge to all enlisted military personnel who have given freely to protect my rights as an American!

I had not expected what was to come. I researched what I should envision as a first book by an Indie Author. The numbers ranged between 100 copies and typically 250 copies sold to friends and family — most claimed that is what I should expect in the first month!

My first published book, Piercing the Veils of Death:A Paranormal Exploration, now available in paperback and on Kindle eBook format on Amazon.com, has sailed past all sales predictions in its opening weekend. Is this attributed to the hard work and dedication of an authors relentless pursuit of success or is the reception a fluke? Perhaps the answer could be found in the reception and response of my peers.

“I started this book by Dane Ladwig last night and read until 5am. Fantastic book!!! So pleased to see that in just one day, my brother Dane has already notched two places in the Top 100 genres. This is going to be a bestseller. Grab a copy today.” ~ True Crime Author RJ Parker

“Hi all, Check out a new book by Dane Ladwig called Piercing the Veils of Death. In Chapter 13 you will find an interview of TnT Paranormal. Can’t wait to get my copy to read it.” ~ Tracey Tanner of TnT Paranormal

“Rarely in all the years I have worked in the realms of death have I met someone so full of life while so closely attuned to the depths of darkness. I cannot wait to read it. You should get it right now.” ~ Ursula Bielski owner of Chicago’s #1 ghost tour company — Chicago Haunting’s Ghost Tours

Piercing the Veils of Death: A Paranormal Exploration, is much more than I had ever imagined. It delves into the supernatural, the superstitious and the religious implications and quandaries, which we have struggled with for centuries. How do Native American Indians relate to the Spirit world? Do pets go to heaven? What is the difference between an “angry sprit” and a demon? These and many more questions are answered.

There are three parts to Piercing the Veils of Death. The first is the Apologue, in this chapter follow Stephen Allendale as he takes us through a journey into the hereafter. Only his love for his life-long friend and wife Tracy can help Stephen accept the truth — his death.

The second portion are several true accounts of apparitional visits and psychic interventions as related by a Native American Indian, a clairvoyant, and research by the author in such historical places as Salem, MA. Lexington, MA. and New Orleans, LA. Do you know the difference between The City of the Dead in Cairo, Egypt and The City of the Dead in New Orleans, LA? The interesting answers are in Piercing the Veils of Death.

Nearly a year to the date from when I began research, my dream is realized. My book, Piercing the Veils of Death is now available in paperback and on Kindle eBook format on Amazon.

Piercing the Veils of Death: A Paranormal Exploration is much more than I had ever imagined. It delves into the supernatural, the superstitious and the religious implications and quandaries, which we have struggled with for centuries. How do Native American Indians relate to the Spirit world? Do pets go to heaven? What is the difference between an “angry sprit” and a demon? These and many more questions are answered.

There are three parts to Piercing the Veils of Death. The first is the Apologue, in this chapter follow Stephen Allendale as he takes us through a journey into the hereafter. Only his love for his life-long friend and wife Tracy, can help Stephen accept the truth.

The second portion are several true accounts of apparitional visits and psychic interventions as related by a Native American Indian, a clairvoyant, and research by the author in such historical places as Salem, MA. Lexington, MA. and New Orleans, LA. Do you know the difference between The City of the Dead in Cairo, Egypt and The City of the Dead in New Orleans, LA? The answers are in Piercing the Veils of Death.

The paperback and the electronic eBook Kindle format can be purchased at Amazon (Click image below)

When I was a kid my mom would constantly yell at me, “Stop taking the family radio apart. Do you know what’ll happen if your dad finds out you took that thing apart again?” He never found out because I would put it back together before he would get home, and the wild thing is… the radio always worked when I reassembled it. I have always been a dreamer.

In grade school I was the one who never paid attention and always starred out the window. By the time I made it to Junior High School I became bored and resorted to the role of class clown and hallway bully. I never did my homework and I got bad grades, not because I didn’t know the stuff, but because I “didn’t pay attention”. Somehow I just knew the stuff they were teaching me in class and felt it was a waste of time. I was always interested in things like history and science. One year I entered the school’s Science Fair, I won second place, really ticked off the kids who studied. I have always been a dreamer.

The odds have always been against me. I dropped out of school well before graduation, so I lacked formal education. Based on the way my life was going, everyone was convinced I was headed for the morgue or the penitentiary. I came from a broken home and I lived on the streets. I was about to become another statistic on societies least favored citizens list. I resorted to everything negative and bad, and when I say everything, I do mean everything. When I was a kid, not a day passed by when I did not wish to depart this world; I imagined the next existence as a much nicer place. I have always been a dreamer.

As an adult I have worn many hats. I decided to take control of my education and I have been to Technical School for automobile mechanics, Theology training at a Bible College, and a private College for English and Philosophy degrees. I have worked in many fields along they way, but the ones which stand out in my life as the best and most rewarding were automobile mechanic, construction, a security guard protecting celebrities, working with Homeland Security on Presidential detail, working for a National Football Team, and now spending my life as an author. I have always been a dreamer.

I have met some really incredible and influential people in my lifetime; sports figures, actors, musicians, dignitaries and Heads of State from across the globe. The most inspiring of these people I have had the pleasure of knowing are some of the least famous; they are people stricken and inflicted with disabling conditions who refuse to allow life to dictate unacceptable terms — they are my hero’s and heroin’s. Like them, I too have a disability and I refuse to give in and accept nothingness as an existence. I have always been a dreamer.

I couldn’t tell you when the exact turning point was in my life, perhaps it was more of a culmination and a sort of process. Truth be told, I don’t think I would change a single thing about my life; every day and every nuance of my life made me who I am today. I harbor no bitterness, no resentments, only vague memories of a person I once was — a person I no longer recognize. I suppose, if I think about it real hard, the one constant has always been… I have always been a dreamer!

Just north of South Bend, Indiana in St. Joseph County a University proudly sits in an unincorporated community the University of’ Notre Dame du Lac or simply stated Notre Dame. The Catholic research university — Notre Dame — boasts one of the nation’s most spectacular sports programs to have ever existed. The “Fighting Irish” have once again made history. Having an undefeated season, the football team has shocked the country and earned themselves a trip to the Discover BCS National Championship (Mon, Jan 7, 2013).

As members of the NCAA Division 1 — Independent, Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish has eleven National Championships to their credit, seven Heisman Trophy winners, and sixty-two Alum in the College Football Hall of Fame.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Mascot

All-American Knute Rockne is an Alum of Notre Dame. Rockne later became one of Notre Dame’s most esteemed football coach’s ever 1914-1940. Rockne grew up in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood where he first played football as a child with the Logan Square Tigers. At the age of 22 Rockne had saved enough money to enroll in college, he chose to attend Notre Dame. Rockne graduated Notre Dame in 1914 with a degree in Chemistry and Pharmacy. In 1913, while on Notre Dame’s football team as an end (receiver), when the team beat Army at West Point by way of the Quarterback throwing to the receivers as opposed to a ground game (running plays), they shocked the nation winning 35-13. Rockne’s methods were now being considered as a new “standard” if teams expected to compete and win. Knute Rockne went on to have an impressive overall career high record of 105 wins, 12 ties, and 5 loses, 1 bowl game and 3 National Championships (1924, 1929–1930). Notre Dame and Knute Rockne revolutionized football forever.

Millard Sheets mural The Word of Life as seen from the campus of Notre Dame

If you have ever been to Notre Dame or watched a game played at Notre Dame, you would not miss the enormous mosaic mural, which overshadows over the stadium. “Touchdown Jesus” as it has been deemed, is a mural of the resurrection depicted by artist Millard Sheets entitled The Word of Life, donated to Notre Dame and installed atop the Hesburgh Library building on campus. From the stadium, the up-stretched raised arms of Jesus resemble a referee signifying a touchdown, hence the moniker “Touchdown Jesus”.

“Touchdown Jesus” The Word of Life mosaic mural as seen from Notre Dame’s football stadium.

To add to the luster of Notre Dame’s rich history, the movie Rudy (1993) based on the life of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, whose life-long dream was to play football at Notre Dame, was shot on campus and actor Sean Astin portrayed Rudy.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish “Golden Domes”

The Fighting Irish have been scrutinized for their “golden domes” — the helmets they sport at every game. Many people view this as a pompous statement, a golden dome with real gold in the paint. It is said, every helmet has 23.9-karat gold flakes in their spray paint. In all fairness, the golden dome helmet is fashioned after the golden dome on Notre Dame’s main campus building. Paying homage to your Alma Mater by wearing a proud statement upon your head in the form of a golden dome does not sound pompous, if you ask me, it sounds respectful and traditionally rich.

The golden dome atop the main building on Notre Dame’s campus. The football helmet is fashioned after this golden dome!

The same can be said for Notre Dame’s fight song, the Notre Dame Victory March. Perhaps the most recognized fight song in Collegiate sports in America. Below is the song sung by the Fighting Irish and recognized by more college students across America than any other rally song in existence.

Rally sons of Notre Dame:
Sing her glory and sound her fame,
Raise her Gold and Blue
And cheer with voices true:
Rah, rah, for Notre Dame
We will fight in ev-ry game,
Strong of heart and true to her name
We will ne’er forget her
And will cheer her ever
Loyal to Notre Dame

Cheer, cheer for old Notre Dame,
Wake up the echoes cheering her name,
Send a volley cheer on high,
Shake down the thunder from the sky.
What though the odds be great or small
Old Notre Dame will win over all,
While her loyal sons are marching
Onward to victory.

* * *

This article has been presented to you by Author Dane Ladwig. You can visit Dane Ladwig’s website at: http://www.daneladwig.com

I have read a great deal of Hemingway in my days. I recall the Hemingway book that turned me on to his writing, Old Man and the Sea. I recall hearing Hemingway say once in regards to this classic masterpiece, “The first draft of anything is shit!” I don’t think I would ever classify anything Hemingway wrote, even if it were his moniker on a used tissue as “shit”. That is because I respect the man’s work. The one thing I can attest, with Hemingway, when he was convicted of a thought, he always spoke his mind with no regard to fear of repercussion. Why should he be afraid?

That brings me to my next realization. As I look in retrospect over the past year, I consider my writing and how I walk on eggs and tiptoe around words just to protect an image — so as not to be perceived as offensive or distasteful.

Well, today is the day I say bullshit to that! I realize if I set a precedent, I must adhere to such guidelines and not sway from such things as form, style and basic mechanics. However, if I have to be ever so careful not to offend that I water down the words or the content of my composition, I feel I am doing more harm than good.

Really, in a nutshell, what does this all mean? For starters, cursing. I have been a huge proponent against profanity. However, I have come to accept some texts are enhanced by placing the dialogue in factual account and rapport we could believe to have occurred. Case in point. It is a little past closing time, 2:20 AM. An armed robbery is in progress at the local corner liquor store. The offender, armed with a sawed-off shotgun forces his way into the rear entrance of the store while the store clerk tidies up the days affairs. Before the clerk has a chance to react, the armed robber has the shotgun pointed in the clerks face. The armed robber would not politely say, “Hello store clerk, please give me your money and then if it wouldn’t be too much of an inconvenience could you get on the floor.” No! The clerk would laugh hysterically while dialing the authorities. The conversation would most likely follow something such as,

“Get your hands up motherfucker… get ‘em up in the fucking air now! Don’t touch a fucking thing unless I tell you to do something. You fucking understand motherfucker? DO YOU? Now… Give me the fucking money and make it quick. You so much as twitch a fucking eyebrow I’ll waste your fuckin’ sorry ass. Now… get on the floor bitch! NOW. I said move motherfucker if you want to stay alive. Stay on the floor for five minutes or I will put another asshole right between your motherfucking eyes. You fuckin’ understand me bitch?”

Which scenario is more impactful and believable? I agree! Perhaps Hemingway was on to something very basic, but very pertinent to writing when he decided not to compromise.

As an ordained Chaplain, I must say my conscience has wrestled with the dilemma of omitting or allowing profanity in my writing. Any person who has studied the scriptures knows Jesus’ disciple Peter began swearing as he denied Jesus (Matt 26: 69-74). Throughout the scripture, Peter struggled with cursing. That does not excuse me, that is only to point out that even the highest of ordained men (and women) struggle with profanity and cursing and I doubt it is a mortal sin carrying with it the sentence of eternal doom in Hell’s kitchen.

The point is, we make a big fuss out of the most irrelevant and insignificant matters. Here’s a thought (it would behoove radical religious fanatics such as Westboro Baptist Church members to heed this advice). If you are offended, do not read the material or listen to the discussion or watch the program, it’s that damned simple! It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out, when you attack a writer, a producer, or a group of people for his/her/or their beliefs… YOU have the problem.

I think that was Hemingway’s strongest message; I’ll speak my mind honestly and truthfully, attack me, I’ll laugh, because I am not the one bothered by what I said, you are. I believe that is what he alluded to when he addressed the issue of profanity and writing, “I’ve tried to reduce profanity, but I’ve reduced so much profanity when writing the book that I’m afraid not much could come out. Perhaps we will have to consider it simply as a profane book and hope that the next book will be less profane or perhaps more sacred.”

While drafting a manuscript I always try to recall Hemingway’s ideals, which is why most of what I write makes it to the recycle bin. Like Hemingway, “I write one page of masterpiece to ninety-one pages of shit. I try to put the shit in the wastebasket.” With that in mind, I think I will actually save this article for print.

Post navigation

~ Author Dane Ladwig ~

~ About Your Blog Author ~

Dane Ladwig is a native of Chicago, Illinois. Dane's book, "Piercing the Veils of Death," received critical acclaim from the General Assembly. Dane is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute with a degree in Theology, and a graduate of Elmhurst College with degrees in English and Philosophy. Dane has also released, "The First Annual Serial Killers Anthology," which was a collaborative effort with some of the world's leading true crime authors. Also, his newest release, "Dr. H. H. Holmes and The Whitechapel Ripper," has been met with superior results. Dane has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, in Shaw Media, and has been a guest featured speaker on several radio broadcasts.

View From My Loft – RSS feed

Ink Slinger Enterprises, LLC.

Information on this page is protected under the internet sharing act and may not be copied, used, or shared without the expressed written consent from
Ink Slinger Enterprises, LLC.
Dupage, Illinois 60103